What is appropriate to write in a "thank you" card

[newgrad1234]

What is appropriate to write in thank you cards for professors that wrote recommendation letters? Can I write about how I'm thankful for their support? What about how I think of them (i.e. awesome professors)?

 

[velua]

They know what you think of them (they also do NOT want to read a novel -- professors are awful at responding to emails, and the odds of them responding increase the shorter the email is). Send them an email saying:

 

Hi Dr./Professor ____ (or first name if you're on a first name basis),

 

I just wanted to let you know I got accepted at XYZ University. I'm very excited about the opportunity to study there in the fall. Thanks again for all your help!

 

Your Name

Edited March 2, 2015 by velua

[Asperfemme]

I wrote different things depending on my knowledge of and relationship with the LOR writer.

 

For one of them, the relationship was very professional and I knew he was (and is) an extremely busy person, so I wrote a very brief thank you message saying something like "I really appreciate the work you have put into writing me the references. Attached is a thank you gift for you to show my gratitude.".

 

For another one of my references, who is a very laid-back, "cool" type of prof who I had a much closer relationship with, I sent him a humorous card and wrote a slightly longer, more personalized message.

 

So there's no easy answer, just try to go by your relationship with the LOR writer and their personality (in combination).

[kosmo]

 Attached is a thank you gift for you to show my gratitude.".

 

 

I'm interested in this - what 'gift' did you give him?